In this finely written play based on O. Henry’s short story “The Cop and the Anthem,” we meet a homeless man who shares the tale of Soapy Smith, a former Wall Street broker who went broke and was forced to live on the streets. In the story-within-a-story, we hear how Soapy plans to get sent to prison in order to survive the cold winter months. He sets out committing one small crime after another so he might earn a short prison sentence, but try as he might, he can’t get arrested. What is the world coming to?! When he stumbles upon a church service, Soapy has a change of heart and resolves to turn his life around. Read more...With a double-twist of a surprise ending, this delectable play is a funny and touching comedy and easy to produce for the holidays or at any time of year. Production notes at the end of the playbook suggest simple changes to make this play specifically for Christmas and permission is granted to change the show title to Soapy Smith’s Christmas Wish.

Use this script sample — including the cast list, production notes and several pages of the actual script — to help you select your next show. It is open in a new browser tab or window. To open it again, please click here.

Plays of America from American Folklore
The ten plays in this book, intended for middle and high school students, are drawn from the ever-evolving fountain of American folklore and popular culture.

Electronic Script Information

For preview: E-ViewsE-Views deliver a non-printable, complete preview script to your Pioneer library for reading anytime. Click on ORDER THIS TITLE, then select ELECTRONIC PREVIEW SCRIPT.

For production: E-ScriptsE-Scripts allow organizations to receive an emailed, printable PDF of the script within one business day without needing to prepay for scripts or royalties. This option requires the purchase of a sufficient number of distribution rights for your entire cast.

To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. Then, select “Emailed E-script” as your DELIVERY OPTION during checkout.

IMPORTANT:

You will receive your emailed script within one business day.

Only scripts can be emailed. Director’s books and music parts must be shipped at regular cost.

A $6 e-delivery fee will be added to each order.

All script prices are the same, whether paper, digital, or photocopied.

There are no returns, exchanges, or refunds on e-scripts or distribution rights.

NOTE: If you wish to receive a downloadable script immediately, take advantage of our Get It Now! option. Prepayment required.

Get It Now! Immediate Downloads

Get It Now! allows you to immediately download PDFs of the script, director’s book, and music scores for our shows. Production/rehearsal CDs sets are also available for immediate download. You will not receive physical versions of anything you select for Get It Now! delivery. This option requires the purchase of a sufficient number of scripts (distribution rights) for your entire cast and pre-payment of your entire order, including royalties.

To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need to make for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. Then, select “Get It Now!” as your DELIVERY OPTION during checkout, indicate which materials you would like sent electronically, and enter your credit card information in the appropriate space. Make sure you’ve specified the exact number of performances and selected “Bill Now” for your royalties.

IMPORTANT:

You will be able to download the available parts immediately after your credit card transaction is approved. A valid email address is required.

Parts not available for download will be shipped at regular cost.

A $6 e-delivery fee will be added to each order.

All material prices are the same, whether paper, digital, or photocopied.

There are NO RETURNS, EXCHANGES, OR REFUNDS on downloaded materials or distribution rights.

NOTE: If you do not wish to prepay for your entire production, you can still take advantage of E-Scripts and receive your emailed PDF within one business day.